By Okosun Dennis
It was a day of positive jabs as Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) gathered on Friday to honour and recognise some Nigerians for their invaluable support and contributions to humanity.
The ceremony which took place at the Guest House Conference Hall of the University of Lagos had sterling awards confined on Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, who was represented by a lawyer from his chambers; Prof Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Ibadan; Barrister Adebayo Akinade, Director General, Institute of Security Nigeria, University of Lagos; Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Security Analyst on “Journalist Hangout” on Television Continental (TVC) who was represented by his colleague, Ayodele Ozugbaku, the Anchorman of “Journalist Hangout” on TVC, who was also a recipient of award.
Other awardees included Barrister Joe Nwokedi, Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi; Barrister Joyce Odua of FICMC, Engineer Segun Ogunanwo (Registrar ICMC) and Mrs. Sade Alabi of Tripple T.
In his opening address, the National Secretary of REMENAF, Amb. Roy Oamien Okhidievbie reminded the audience of the circumstances that led to the formation of the body and how he got involved in the activities of the union.
While x-raying the journey so far and how they have conducted the affairs of the union, Okhidievbie, who is also the Managing Director of AugustEye Security Limited, lamented the excruciating pains and agony members go through to get their benefits noting that they deserve more than what they are getting.
While juxtaposing with what is obtainable in Western world and the sumptuous welfare packages at their disposal, he frowned at the way military veterans are treated, neglected and often times, denied their entitlements despite having most of their retired colleagues in sensitive position of authorities.
He explained, “the more and stronger positions retired members holds, the deadlier the conditions and neglect veterans face. The military is stronger when there is unity of purpose and bonding together,” he reiterated.
He appealed to the Government to assist them, due to doting ages, face critical health conditions hence they need better welfare to cushion medical demands.
Adumbrating, he explained that Nigerian Veterans are always sub-charged in welfare issues but since the birth of the association, they have been able to fight and garner some packages for members.
On his part as the National Coordinator of REMENAF, Veteran Commander Sedisyne Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts said the Lagos is the heartbeat of REMENAF, added that before now, there was no platform to voice their grievances but through REMENAF, we have been able to change the narrative.
While thanking the awardees for their immeasurable contributions towards ensuring that serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces were well taken care of, added that the cooperation that we have had from them cannot be underestimated.
He commended the efforts of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) for their dogged fight and saluted the efforts of the TVC and other awardees for their excellent awards.
“We are seeing how we can synergize with the bar. Veteran don’t need to go on protest to get their welfare needs. We must thank the Commander-In-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari for living up to expectations on our welfare.
“At the moment, a committee has been set up to look at the issues we raised on Security Debarment Allowance which would have served the bases of our protest in August which has been suspended.
Durowaiye-Herberts further explained that every retired military personnel should enjoy the Debarment Allowance adding that the discriminatory or sectional payment could escalate insurgency in the country as those who are left out of payment scheme may resort to using the knowledge and skill they acquired while in service against the state.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Prof Kabiru Adeyemi Adeyemo thanked REMENAF for the opportunity.
“We must appreciate the Veterans. These are noble people that have served the country meritoriously. We must give them necessary assistance.
“We are not going to let you down and we would ensure that we blow your trumpets and continue to assist because of your contributions to peace in the country. As much as we can, we shall also extend our scholarship to deserving REMENAF members just as we have extended to Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officer (RANAO) members in Ibadan.”
Prof Adeyemo further stated that in 2017, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai visited his University and we are trying to synergize on some vital programmes that would be mutually beneficial to Nigerians, that plans are still on and we shall see that to the latter.
He also disclosed that the University was at an advanced discussions with the National Secretary of REMENAF, Amb. Roy Okhidievbie for the University to float an Advanced Diploma programme in Criminology and Security Studies. “We are ready, so let us synergize and come out with a blue print that would greatly assist.”
In a chat with Barrister Joe Nwokedi on Global Terrorism Index 2020 rating that has placed Nigeria as third in the world most terrorised country outside Afghanistan and Iraq, he described it as “unfortunate development especially the sloppy security situation in the country that has led to senseless deaths.
“Our government really need to up the game against the terrorists especially in the North East and other banditry across the country. We deserve more than this as we cannot continue like this and expect sweet global security rating.”
On the lingering calls for the Service Chiefs to be retired and give room for younger officers to command the force; Barr. Nwokedi said that was long overdue considering that they have extended their mandatory service years.
“However, the bulk falls on President Buhari’s table to decide. We can only advise him to do the needful since Nigerians have called for their change,” he reiterated.
In compliance with NCDC regulations, the award ceremony was held under strict observances of the rules on social distancing with limited number of audience at the venue.
It was also streamed live on Zoom to enable enthusiastic general public to participate.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/remenaf-honours-distinguished-nigerians-in-style-in-lagos/
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